Scared residents fled to a police station for safety, fearing violence due to Zama-Zama turf wars. Images- X@visontactical/MTshwaku
Zama-Zama turf war spurs Florida residents’ midnight ESCAPE
Allegedly attacked by illegal miners, a Florida community sought shelter at the local police station for overnight safety. This incident sparked a full on raid to combat and disrupt illegal mining in the area.
Scared residents fled to a police station for safety, fearing violence due to Zama-Zama turf wars. Images- X@visontactical/MTshwaku
Illegal miners in a Florida community drove 30 residents from Jerusalema informal settlement to seek refuge at a local police station. Zama-zamas’ violence caused fear among residents.
According to IOL, the City of Johannesburg’s Safety MMC, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, along with the specialised unit of the Joburg Metro Police(JMPD), descended on the police station, and the station commander was called to the scene and duly allowed the group to spend a night at the police station.
According to Tshwaku, SAPS in Florida did not have enough manpower to conduct a swift operation that night.
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Tshwaku stated, “This is now deeply personal. Weekend plans canceled, Gold reef belt turns into battleground. We can’t accept this. ZamaZama battles harm our neighborhoods.”
RESIDENTS FLED DUE TO ZAMA-ZAMA CLASHES
“Scared residents found safety at Florida police station, fearing violence.” He explained JMPD, SAPS, and the Community Policing Forum collaborate to stop zama-zama violence.
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According to him, zama-zamas shot each other near Zamimpilo at 21:00 after a recent JMPD and SAPS operation, causing a death. Some zama-zamas fled to Durban Deep and Jerusalema, causing panic.
Tshwaku emphasised urgency and safety, promising action against zama-zamas.Police confirmed 30 residents sought refuge from zama-zamas and Social Development assisted, returning them home.
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Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, Gauteng police spokesperson, stated that Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, the provincial police commissioner, reassured the Jerusalema community. Law enforcement collaborates to restore calm due to safety concerns from illegal mining violence.
“We acted with speed as soon as we received the news of the shootings because we understand the urgency and the need for immediate action to address these distressing incidents that have shaken the community of Jerusalema.
“We will not rest until our communities are safe and free from crime and violence from zama-zamas,” said Tshwaku.
OPERATION SHANELA TO DISRUPT ANY ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES
Nevhuhulwi stated, “Apart from Operation Shanela, joint operations with various law enforcement units are frequent to stop illegal mining.”
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Police arrested suspects for Immigration Act violations, possessing gold-bearing material, unlicensed firearms, and suspected stolen items in Florida recently.
Zama-zama’s tools like phendukas and generators were confiscated.
“The police will continue to conduct operations together with all relevant stakeholders with the aim of combating and disrupting illegal mining activities not only in Florida but in all affected districts in Gauteng; Ekurhuleni, West Rand, Sedibeng and Johannesburg,” said Nevhuhulwi.
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Regarding the shootings there is no confirmation of any shooting incident, as initially reported stated Tshwaku.
